Let those who think that Evangelical Christians have too much zeal, examine themselves, and enquire Whether they have enough? and before they would extract the mote of enthusiasm from the eyes of their brethren, let them first cast the beam of irreligion out of their own. May you, Sir, ere long, be convinced of the error of your ways, and by a timely and honourable retraction, make some atonement for the injury you have attempted to inflict on the peace of society l'

Though we think the Barrister has already been satisfactorily an. swered, yet as the ground of argument which the Looker-on has taken is somewhat new, -as his observations appear to be cool and dispassionate, and in general just and appropriate, we do not hesitate to recommend his publication to the attentive perusal of our readers.

Strictures ou Mr. Hale's Reply to the Pamphlets in Defence of the London Female Penitentiary. By G. Hodson. Price 2s. 6d.

CONTROVERSY,' as one observes, is a bottomless pit.' If Mr. Hale's plan were followed, the truth of this remark would soon appear; for disputation on almost every subject would be endless. We apprehend, that when a writer has not answered, nor even attempted to answer the principal arguments of his antagonist, he may fairly be looked upon as vanquished. In this case propriety would dictate silence; and honour would call upon him to come forward and avow his mistakes. But what does this gentleman do? He scarcely notices one of the striking arguments of Mr. Hodson, but takes up one or two points of inferior moment; gives them a certain degree of plausibility, and then comes forward with an half-crown pamphlet, as if The Remonstrant had taken no notice of his former remarks! If Mr. Hale had consulted only his own reputation, he might have remained silent, or merely said, "When you have attempted to answer my arguments, I will resume my pen." But when we consider that so useful au institution as the Peni

tentiary is concerned; and when we reflect on the temporary celebrity which Mr. Hale's name will give to his pamphlet, we suppose that most of our readers will unite with us in thinking, that Mr. Hodson's time and labour have been well expended in bringing forward the present production.

This pamphlet, like the former of that gentleman, is distinguished by cogency of argument and energy of style. We speak our firm convic. tion when we say, That the politeness of the gentleman and the meekness of the Christian shine through. out the whole. Perhaps one passage, in page 88, line 7, may be deemed a little too severe; but when we consider the unkind manner in which Mr. Hale has spoken of Mr. Hodson, there are few critics, we believe, that would wish it expunged.

It is difficult to select passages, when there are so many that meet with our unqualified approbation. The following seem a fair specimen of that vivacity of manner by which the work is distinguished. Mr. H. lays great stress on this remark, That for every prostitute taken out of the streets, there are two ready to take her place.' To this Mr. Hodson smartly replies, Indeed, Sir," twotwo, ready to take their places! But two what? Pray, Sir, explain. There is something remarkably suspicious here. Are they two prostitutes, or two modest women? I will give you time to breathe, Sir, and, in the interim, proceed to fill up the hiatus. "For every prostitute now upon the town there are two [prostitutes] ready to take their places, !" Pray, Sir, do you understand this? Then I will proceed a step further: "Supposing (you say) for a moment, that there is a hundred annually taken into the Penitentiary; for this number admitted, there is an hundred (an hundred what? Why, prostitutes to be sure!) more at least upon the town;" that is, if the Penitentiary receive a hundred prostitute, a hundred prostitutes take their places; therefore it must be obvious to every reflecting mind that the num ber of prostitutes will be propor tionably increased!!' Now, Sir,

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without making any pretensions to a" reflecting mind,' it appears to me from the preceding considerations, that, on the supposition that none of these hundred females whom you suppose to enter into the Pene tentiary, to relapse, the sum of prostitution must certainly diminish, and that (as you say) in proportion to the numbers admitted into it!" The question here evidently relates to two hundred prostitutes, of whom one hundred are supposed to be restored by the Penitentiary; of course the number left upon the town must be diminished in proportion to the number admitted into it!" - and, surely, Sir, you are not prepared to assert that, upon the removal of these latter into more eligible circumstances, for more gene ral prostitution, a hundred virtuous and modest women will become in a moment vitiated, and occupy their mixed condition of labour and less general prostitution! But I dare say, Sir, this is ails phistical" and "metaphysical," "exhibit ing you to the publ e as saying what you never said, and as asserting principles the very opposite to what you feel;" and therefore I presume, you will again tell the public that the advocates of the Penitentiary "have, in no one instance, refuted one single objection that you have brought against it" but, Sir, I insist that, according to your own statements, the women whom you suppose to take the places of the reclaimed fe males are already prostitutes! The two whom you represent as their successors, you very justly describe, not as virtuous and modest women, but as females who “frequently go out in the evening and offer themselves for prostitution!" - and of whom you say "there are many thousands!" They are such as "are often what they call trying their chance," and who only "give over their wicked pursuit" when the "scanly prey" renders it an unprofitable one. Now, Sir, i appeal to yourself whether this is not an accurate description of what are called street-walkers or common pros-. titutes and are not these the proper names of such as "go out into the strees and offer themselves for

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prostitution?" Pray, Sir, if the Fe-nitentiary were to admit any of those whom you thus describe, and any of its defenders were to assert that they were not prostitutes, what would you say to that? I know,, Sir, you would insist upon it that they were. You perceive then into what difficulties, you have plunged yourself, and what prudence will be required to enable you to maintain consistency in your next publication ! Why, Sir, so far from not reprobat-. ing as prostitutes this description of females, should they be received. into the Penitentiary, I question whether, in this case, would you not include in the same class, duced females," who had afterwards lived with more than one man dishonourable terms," although they had never 66 gone into the streets to offen themselves for prostitution !" It is hence evident also, that, in order to give a colour to your expiring cause, it will really be necessary for you, Sir, to apply soft and tender epithets to the profligate of the female race!?' not to such as aredesirous to be restored, &c. of whom the advocates of the Penitentiary speak,—but of those, Sir, who, with a living in their hands, voluntarily plunge into a state of horrid" prostitution! A few of these gentle epithets may likewise be necessary, Sir, to palliate the guilt even of those who have not yet "offered themselves for prostitution" in the public streets, but who, with the genuine mind of the prostitute, "are ready to take their places" of sucir as enter into the Penitentiary!"

Mr. Hodson concludes his Strictures with a forcible appeal to the religious feelings of his opponent; and with which we shall conclude our review of the article.

tentiary may ultimately prove as beneficial as the intentions of its supporters are pure. It is wise to be on the safe side. Should my attempts prove fatally successful, even my own views may change. Shall I be able to bear my own reflections should such events occur? May they not inflict many a severe pang upon my heart? May they not dis burb the tranquillity of many other wise peaceful hours, and cast even a cloud upon the closing scene of my life? If such thoughts as these have occurred to you, they seem, Sir, to have made but a slight impression upon your mind, for you say, the more I reflect upon the subject, the more I am convinced of the truth of the sentiments I have advanced, and if I am not much deceived, it will afford me peculiar satisfaction to the latest period of my existence that I have been the instrument of warning the public against the baneful influence of the Penitentiary.' Indeed, Sir! and would it then give you peculiar satisfaction' upon a dying bed, that you' had been the instrument' of

shutting the gates of mercy' upon multitudes of your perishing fellowcreatures; that you had fatally interposed to prevent their rescue from vice, and blocked up an avenue through which they might have returned to a condition of honest and virtuous life? - would it in that awful hour, when both the perception and sensibility of the conscience may be inconceivably quickened, and eternity is opening upon you, would it then give you peculiar satisfactson' that you had been 'the instrument of suppressing an Asylum, where multitudes of perishing females might have heard the sound of that gospel, by means of which the fornicators of Corinth became holy members of a Christian church? Would it, at that solemn period, give you peculiar satisfaction' that you had diminished the joy of the angels in Heaven,' who rejoice 'over one simmer that repen eth, more than over ninety and mine just persons? Would you congratulate yourself then, Sir, that, had it not beea or your misguided zeal,' and banelul interposition, hundreds, yea

thousands of finally ruined females, might have been celebrating, with the Harlot of Nain, the riches of that grace, the virtue of that blood, and the efficacy of that power, by which the chief of sinners' may be restored to religion, to ho iness, and to God? No, Sir, it is utterly impossible; and the misgiving of heart' which you even now betray, by the words "if I am not much deceived,' is an ominous prognostic of the cmotions with which, at that awful season, you would contemplate the fatal success of your attempt! You would then wish, Sir, that writings of such a dangerous tendency' as yours, were buried in the Vault of the Capuleis,' or any other vault, that might for ever entomb them in oblivion, whilst your only consolations' might be that, although your zeal was misguided,' your motives were good, and that you were not_out of the reach of that mercy, from which you had been the instru ment' of excluding others!

We are obliged, to defer, until our next, the review of Mr. Blair's Letier on the Inadequacy of the Poor Laws, for employing, protecting,. and reclaiming Unfortunate Females, destitute of Work; in Answer to Mr. Hale's Reply, annexed to Mr. Hodson's Strictures.

A Sermon, preached before the Society for Missions to Africa and the East, May 23, 1809, by the Rev. Legh Richmond, M. A.; also the Report of the Commitice, &c. price

AFTER a long period,, in which the zeal of the Protestant Church to promote the spread of Christianity was most dormant, it must afford a high degree of gratification to observe the various denominations of that body rousing themselves from their former stupor, and vigorendy associating for the purpose of diffusing throughout the world the fragrance of the Saviour's name. The Church of Rome shall no longer boast that they atone retam the mark of the apostolic church, in the display of apostolic zea: to propagate the religion of Christ. The

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474 Churches of Protestants resolve to wipe off the too just reproach, and, with the zeal of Catholics, labour to diffuse a purer faith. It is with pleasure, therefore, we behold the ministers of Christ standing up in the midst of attentive multitudes, and proving that Love to Christ is the only true motive to missionary exertion. This is the subject of Mr. Richmond's discourse, founded on the words of our Saviour to Peter (John xxi. 16) Lovest thou me? Feed my sheep ;'-from which he considers, 1, The Nature and Design of the Commission given by our Lord to Peter; and, 2, The Application of the commandment to feed the sheep of Christ, as it respects the Heathen Nations at present and our own exertions, in order to their conversion. These topics are discussed in a pleasing and interesting manner, of which the following passage may be considered as a just specimen:

• Consider the state of the world, its empires, nations, kindreds, and tribes. When a map of the world is presented to the eye, with what a variety of affectious is it viewed, according to the character and pur suits of the inspector!

The mere Statesman diligently examines the magnitude, position, and boundaries of other countries, with a sole reference to the political aggrandizement of his own. Wars, conquests, treaties, alliances, and a multitude of considerations connected with ambit on, power, and national honour, dictate and accompany all his speculations on the inap; and then he has done with it, and lays it down.

• The Merchant takes up the map, and eagerly traveises the delineation of seas, continents, and islands, with anxious enquiry as to pecuniary profit and less, trade and mer chandize. His thoughts are absorbed in considering how much may be gained by his speculations to some distant island or foreign shore. He meditates on the track of his vessel upon the ocean, marks its course upon the hazardous waves, and is full of agitation with respect to its fate. There is his golden treasure, and his heart is there also.

As he views the map, be conjectures, hopes, fears; and, with much solicitade, contemplates his future gains, or dreads impending losses. The map is again laid down, and he has done with it.

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The curious Traveller takes up the map of the world, and is occupied with the remembrance anticipation of the various customs, manners, dresses, languages, buildings, and ceremonies, with a long list of wonders and amusements, that have engaged. his attention. In such a way his imagination travels over the whole globe; and then this man's contemplations on the map are likewise concluded.

The Natural Philosopher investigates the various productions of this diversified globe with another object. Theories of the earth's formation, the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms, the origin of volcanoes, the cause of earthquakes, the variations of the magnetic needle, all afford him endless subjects of examination. Every continent, sea, climate, and zone, which the map presents to his eye, furnishes him with matter for inquisitive speculation; and then he has done with it also.

But when the Christian beholds the world's map, he has a subject of investigation far beyond them all. What they have overlooked and disregarded, is every thing to him. His great enquiry is, Shew me the visible kingdom of Christ : name the countries where Christ is known and worshipped. O! when shall the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ-when shall the Heathen fear the name of the Lord ?”

As his eye traverses the globe, he sighs over the awful contrast which its different portfons exhibit. His own soul loves Jesus, the Saviour of men; but how small a part of those immense tracks of country which the map presents to his view, so much as know whether there be any Christ! - what natious immersed in Heathenish idolatry!—how many overrun with the tyrannical superstition of Mahomet! - yea, where even the name of Christ is professed, how many are sunk into

the deep mire of Popish corruption, or virtual infidelity! How small a portion seems as yet to belong to Christ!

'He mourns over the prospect, but does not lay down the map and think no more of it. Again and again he takes it up, prays for the sheep of Christ in distant lands, recommends their case to God, and meditates plans for their deliverance. He surveys the vast continents of Asia and Africa, and, for the most part, it seems to be dark ness visible. Then he looks for his native island at home, endeared to him by a thousand considerations; but most endeared on account of the gospel light with which she is blessed; and shall not the rays of that light soon be diffused, as from a centre, to all the surrounding world? Doth not a voice from above, in an especial manner, say unto Britons, "Go ye into all the world?" - Wherefore? Only for political aggrandizement, for merchandize, for travelling recreation, for the collecting of philosophical rarities? Are these your only objects? No, saith the word: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

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From such a meditation on the map, the Christian retires, not to slumber over his convictions of duty, not to say much, and do nothing he freights a vessel to carry the "pearl of great price" to those who neither know of its existence nor its value! The missionary is on board the ship ! -- The mssenger of God is crossing the seas! not as formerly, "to make the Ethiopians afraid," but to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to the Heathen, to" preach the gospel to the poor, - to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind." Whilst the Christian at home, who has been the instrument of sending him forth on this errand of love, anxiously waits to hear the happy news that " Dagon is fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord;" that Bel boweth down, and Nebo stoopeth, while the great trumpet is blow;" and that they "which

were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt," are now worshipping the Lord in his holy mount!'

Committee till our next Number.] [We must defer the Report of the

Discourses delivered at the Ordination of the Rev. Thomas Raffles, at Hammersmith, &c. 2s. 6d.

THE first of these Discourses, by Mr. Humphries, describes the Nature of a Gospel Church, as constituted among Protestant Dissenters of the congregational order. This is succeeded by a short relation of Mr. Raffles' experience, and a declaration of his doctrinal sentiments.

The Charge is by Dr. Collyer, his friend and pastor, who, from Acts xx. 28, directs his attention to his · Official Station, and the Duties attached to it.' In that part of his discourse which relates to the term Overseer, he thus expresses his

views:

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I do not wish to encourage a spurious and false power, but a legitimate authority. You are to lead, not to be led; to oversee, not to be overseen;- to guide, not to be driven. You will always listen to the voice of reason and of friendship; but you must not be at the controul of mens' passions. Yours is not an oppressor's rod of iron, but a shepherd's crook: let no man wrest it from your hand: to you it was consigned, with the government which it impties: it is your safeguard, and the defence of the flock. It must not be concealed that this is a day in which such admonitions are necessary. There is a new power springing up in „«Christian' churches, which threatens, by dividing, to govern; and, by ruling, to destroy. As it has no legal autho rity, its assumed power is intolerable and unlimited. We, who profess to maintain the independency of our principles, and who reject domination from any body of Christians, allow men of influence in the world, from their property, to fill offices to when they attaca undue importtance, and in which they exercise, not rule (and to that they have no clan) but tyranay. Churches are